Notes

Mini-Essays/Atomic notes are the backbone of the slip-box note-taking and learning system. It borrows from the The Feynman Technique to deepen retention and build articulacy of our ideas.

The Atomic note is the single most distilled unit of thought. It is one single idea, no more no less. This allows for all building upon them to be clear and uncluttered. When I write up more by connecting multiple atomic notes it will give me a clear view of what I am borrowing from.

The four rules of mini-essays:

A single idea at a time (Connecting ideas later will be their own note)
Keep it short (100-500 words/No need to scroll)
Stay Organized (Folders, Tags, Index)
Always cite your references (Maintenance is easier than rebuilding later)

3 part structure

Intro (1. Clear premise 2. Spark curiosity) Examples: Asking a question, A bold statement, Tying in emotion/mini scene
Body The meat of the essay, presenting the ideas, selling the information. What makes it.
Conclusion • This is what sticks with the reader, good or bad it is the final statement.

While the Intro hooks readers in and opens the idea, a conclusion is equally important to provide closure and a stopping point for the idea to stand alone.

Story Notes

• Fiction format instead of the classic style. This is where I use storytelling to get an idea across. Remember, to understand Nihilism you don’t read a definition, you read The Stranger.

Hybrid Note

Half-story Half-discussion

Use these Q’s to connect to new ideas

What did I already know? What questions does it make me think of? What does it remind me of?

Keaton's notes

Explorer

How to Write a Mini-Essay and Atomic Notes

Reference